The Importance of Skin Care for Seniors

While much focus is put on senior health, and with reason, there is one area that receives less attention but is just as critical: senior skincare. Senior skin disorders may range from simple dryness or flaking to far more severe conditions. Not all seniors will want to or feel like they should focus on skincare, thinking it has to do with beauty, but it doesn’t. Skin conditions can harm a senior if they do not focus on hygiene. A senior care services provider can keep an eye on these things for you.

You may live too far away to help a senior focus on skincare and can only observe what you see through a video camera. However, there are still things you should be looking for, such as dry skin, chapped lips, bruising, and other things. There are several skin concerns for seniors that you should know about when your parents become seniors.

If you live far away and you’re worried about your parents, it’s time to consider senior home care for them. Caregivers will help your parents focus on hygiene and report abnormal skin care conditions. Senior home care is the ultimate tool for seniors who want to age in place and feel independent still. Many elderly adults will have tons of health concerns and other things to focus on, so having a second pair of eyes can be crucial while living at home. Here are some major skin conditions.

Skin Bruising On Seniors

Senior skin has much more brittle blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of significant bruising, which may occur even with mild accidents or even when there is no damage at all. To alleviate the pain associated with bruising, apply a cold compress to the bruised region to minimize inflammation and swelling, and elevate the area if feasible.

Additionally, be mindful of some medicines that may cause increased bruising, such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription blood thinners. Consult the senior's physician if any bruising occurs while the senior is taking these drugs.

Bed Sores On Seniors

Pressure sores are frequent in seniors who are bedridden or who spend an extended period of time in one position in a wheelchair. They may be exceedingly painful and increase the risk of infection. You will notice them in places where the body meets the bed.

Prevent bed sores by moving a sedentary senior every two hours, focusing on the senior's heels, ankles, elbows, back, and tailbone. If you are not there to do this every day or have a full-time job, it is another reason to find senior home care. Additionally, foam or gel mattress toppers may be beneficial.

Every night the senior's skin should be checked for any sores, rashes, or anything that is oozing. If you start noticing these, you should ensure the doctor takes a look right away.

Look for Shingles

Keep a close eye for sores/rash such as shingles on your senior. Some of the signs and symptoms are a rash that…
-Starts as red bumps that form into blisters

- Appears on one side of your body and/or face

- Stings, burns, and/or itches

There are a few antiviral medicines that are available to treat shingles and shorten the severity/ time of the illness. They are most effective if you start taking them soon after the rash appears.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Senior Care in Middletown, DE, please contact the caring staff at Macklyn Home Care today. (302) 691-3217